preprints.org > medicine and pharmacology > cardiac and cardiovascular systems > doi: 10.20944/preprints202312.0160.v1

Preprint Review Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Version 1 : Received: 30 November 2023 / Approved: 4 December 2023 / Online: 5 December 2023 (06:13:19 CET)

The Kounis syndrome (KS) is an acute coronary syndrome triggered by allergic or hypersensitiv-ity reactions. Incidence rates vary, with studies reporting 19.4 per 100.000 among all admissions and 3.4% among allergy patients. This review explores the expanding understanding of KS, en-compassing various manifestations, and focusing on both clinical data and forensic findings useful in performing the diagnosis. The pathophysiology of this syndrome involves a complex in-terplay between allergic reactions and the cardiovascular system. Mast cell activation, histamine release, leukotrienes, cytokines, and platelet activation can contribute to the coronary events. A classification system with three types (Allergic Angina, Allergic Myocardial Infarction, Allergic Stent Thrombosis) aids in categorizing presentations. The diagnosis of KS relies on clinical presentation, laboratory findings and imaging. Post mortem assessment of KS is based on the in-tegration of circumstantial data, autopsy and histological findings. Biochemical and immuno-histochemical analyses also contribute to post-mortem diagnosis. In conclusion, a combined, multidisciplinary approach, should be gained to ease diagnostic pro-cess which is crucial for forensic practitioners in confirming KS occurrence.

Kounis syndrome; anaphylaxis; postmortem; immunohistochemistry; biochemistry; tryptase; acute coronary syndrome.

Medicine and Pharmacology, Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems

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